Recycled Book Bracelets!

Happy October! I have been keeping very busy making lots of new bracelets featuring recycled classic books, fun popular books, vintage sheet music and other goodies. It's my new favorite thing to make! I have a few in my etsy shop and will be adding many more soon. Look for Catcher in the Rye, Chronicles of Narnia, Edgar Allen Poe, Les Miserables and several others in the coming weeks.

You can find Space Oddities and Glitter Workshop wares at the Dane County Farmers' market for a few more Saturdays (as long as the weather holds out!) so stop out and check out our newest creations!

Holiday shows are just around the corner! My first show will be The Crafty Fair, November 13 at the Goodman Center in Madison. Save the date! It's going to be a fantastic show!

New things!

I recently started making big, bold headbands featuring some of our favorite designs. I love how they are turning out!

I'm also continuing to make lots of fun hair pins. These are from a vintage book about bicycles, a vintage dessert cookbook, and an old comic book!

 

And I have also started making bracelets. Here are a couple of my recent favorites.

Harry Potter!

Vintage cookbook bracelet.

We will continue to be down at the Dane County Farmers' Market on Saturdays through October with all of these goodies and more! You can also check new items in our etsy shop. We are adding new items daily. 

Have a wonderful week!

Literary Hair Pins!

Something new! Pretty little bobby pins made with itty bitty bits of text from classic and not so classic literature. Great one-of-a-kind gifts for bookish types. I started listing just a few pairs in my etsy shop and there will be many more coming soon!

I'm looking for suggestions on classic books that would make fun bobby pins. Something that you would recognize from just a tiny scrap of text or one word. If you have any suggestions, please do share!

xo

andrea

I love crafting up goodies for valentine's day! I haven't had a ton of time so far but have made some collage cards and sweet mirrors over the last couple of weeks. Here are a few of my favorites.

fall in love with handmade!

Mark your calendar for the upcoming Fall in Love with Handmade trunk show! It's coming up on February 6th at the Glitter Workshop. Join us for a day of handmade shopping and  yummy treats (I plan to bring cupcakes to share. Yum!) You can find more info about the event on the Craftacular website. Hope to see you there!

xo
andrea

It's the most wonderful time of the year.

Our last craft show of the season is THIS weekend, Saturday December 11th. Hope you can make it! The Craftacular is always such a fun show. Admission is free and the first 50 shoppers will get a goody bag stuffed with samples, coupons and more from vendors and sponsors!

We will have pocket mirrors, magnets, art prints, clothing for kids and adults and more! Plus tons of goodies from over 40 other awesome vendors. You can see the full list of vendors HERE.

Hope to see you on Saturday!

Thanks for supporting local and independent artists and crafters this holiday season! 

xo

Andrea

Make Your Own Stocking Stuffers! Saturday December 4!

If you're looking for a fun little gift that you can customize, this Saturday, December 4, is your chance! Stop by The Glitter Workshop, 6138 Mineral Point Rd. in Madison anytime between 12-3 to make your own pocket mirrors, magnets or pins while sipping cocoa and snacking on a holiday treat!

We will have pocket mirrors, small and large magnets and buttons available to create with prices ranging from just $1-7! Feel welcome to bring something special to customize your item - a photo (printed on copy paper weight paper,) a fun paper or gift wrap, old magazine or book pages, etc. OR use pre-cut images and papers we'll have available to create something unique on the spot. We'll have everything from vintage comics and classic books to sparkly papers with holiday themes for you to choose from! This is a project that would be suitable for younger kids, as well. You could have the kids customize a gift for a teacher or grandma and grandpa (maybe a magnet from their own drawing?) or make buttons for holiday party favors!

I had such a fun time at the Holiday Craft Lounge last weekend and wanted to offer one more opportunity before the holidays for locals to craft up something special. Hope to see you there!

If you have specific questions about this drop-in workshop, please feel free to comment here or contact me at space.odditiesmail@gmail.com. 

          

                                                     

Next up: Holiday Craft Lounge!

I am back from a lovely Chicago weekend spent with my fantastic sister-in-law! We had a great time at the DIY Trunk Show, visited the awesome Bleeding Heart Bakery, ate some yummy Thai food and other assorted goodies and had lots of time to chat and chill in the big city and the 'burbs. Such a nice weekend! Serious thank-yous are in order to my sister-in-law for helping me with the show and to the trunk show organizers and volunteers for thinking of every detail and making the show so smooth!

My next show is coming up on Saturday, November 27, right here in Madison! The Holiday Craft Lounge is the perfect spot to find or create the perfect handmade gift! I will have a craft table where you can make your own custom pocket mirrors and/or small (1") or large (3") magnets or buttons. Feel welcome to bring something special to customize your item - a photo (printed on copy paper weight paper,) a fun paper or gift wrap, old magazine or newspaper clipping, etc. Or use pre-cut images and papers we'll have available to create something unique at the event. This is a project that would be suitable for younger kids, as well. You could have the kids customize a gift for grandma and grandpa (maybe a magnet from their own drawing?) or make buttons for holiday party favors!

There will be lots of other crafting options - paper star ornaments, crochet scarves from t-shirts, and crayon pendants to name JUST a few! You'll also be able to shop handmade from lots of local crafters. Find more details on Anthology's website. Come out and make something with us!

Holiday Craft Lounge
Saturday, November 27, 10 AM - 3 PM
Downtown Madison Holiday Open House
Overture Center, 201 State St.


Admission is a can of food or a $1 donation for the Second Harvest Foodbank.

vinyl wallets: take one!

I wanted to try making some vinyl wallets using old comics and book covers. I prepped a few of them up to the point where I needed to stitch and because I am not very sewing machine savvy, I decided to hand stitch the first one. The sheer pain that came along with stitching through 2 layers of vinyl, cardstock and paper quickly made me realize that the sewing machine is really the way to go.

So yes, this is a very rough first wallet/card holder. It was made in a flurry of excitement and determination and although it's not perfect and sort of looks like my 4 year old made it, it makes me happy! I am having sewing machine issues but as soon as I figure it out, I plan to attempt to finish the rest of the wallets I started. Looking forward to sharing the next (hopefully much more awesome looking) wallet project with you!

Chad doesn't seem to mind that this thing is as rough as it is. He's already making good use of it. I had to steal it out of his pocket to sneak these photos!

Sometimes just making something new, regardless of how fantastic or ridiculous it turns out, is so rewarding and inspiring. 

What new projects are you working on? Is there something you've been wanting to try for a long time that you've been putting off? 

xo

andrea

Holiday Craft Shows!

Apparently the time for making time to make is RIGHT NOW, because holiday shows are coming up FAST! We are participating in several events in November and December and while I was (and still am) tempted to apply for a couple more shows, I just know that it would be too much. I am already trying to figure out how on earth I am going to be able to be ready for one show or get a batch of inventory ready for one shop. It will all come together, though. It always does, right?

So here are the shows you can find Space Oddities at for the rest of 2010! 

November 20 we will be heading to Chicago for the DIY Trunk Show! The event is at Pulaski Park Auditorium from 10AM to 5PM and will feature close to 100 artists and crafters from the Chicago area and beyond. We participated in this event in 2008 and absolutely loved it. We met so many fantastic people and had a great show. I'm really looking forward to this one and I'm sure it'll be a great first show of the season! 

On the same weekend, November 19 & 20, while we'll physically be in Chicago, we'll also have some items for sale at Lapacek's Orchard in Poynette where Kim from Kim's Crafty Apple will be hosting her annual Handcrafted Hoedown for the Holidays event. There will be items for sale from several local artisans as well as a mini quilt shop, freshly baked goodies from Lapacek's Orchard and fun tarot card readings from Sass Mama Arts on Friday November 19th. Another great chance to shop handmade for the holidays! 

The following weekend we will be back in Madison at the Holiday Craft Lounge hosted by Anthology. This super fun event will be held downtown Madison at the Overture center on Saturday, November 27 from 10AM - 4PM. You can stop in and find make & take craft activities, demonstrations and handmade items for sale from local crafters. We are planning to have a make & take button/magnet/mirror table (personalize a gift or make something special for yourself!) and will also be selling our wares. Actually, this one will be all me. Chad is sitting this show out and I am dragging a friend along. Total girly craft day!  

 And finally, on December 11 we will be at the Sixth Annual Holiday Craftacular! This show is very special to me because my first real show was a Valentine Craftacular in 2007. The energy of this local show is one of the things that got me so excited about crafting when I was first starting and that is still true today. This event will be held at the East Side Club, which is a new location from the past couple of holiday shows. 

We have been working with the fantastic Naomi of Glitter Workshop to design this year's Craftacular posters/postcards/etc. I hope you like the design! 

 

Okay, seriously: Time to focus, Andrea! I truly do not know where to begin. My lack of time combined with my distraction with all things crafty is making it difficult for me to build inventory. I plan to do some supply ordering this week so that I will have what I need to get as much ready as I can in the coming weeks. Wish me luck! 

And as always: Make time to make! I will, too. I really will.

How much art can you take?

Another summer weekend jam packed with crafty goodness!

Have you been to Confectionique market in Middleton yet? This weekend is your chance! Jessica and Anastasia will be showcasing beautiful handmade goodies made by themselves and several other local artists Saturday AND Sunday, August 7 & 8. Get ready for a treat! These ladies are always crafting up something new and reinvent their beautiful store space for each market.

Also on Saturday AND Sunday (August 7 & 8) is Art Fest at Greenway Station in Madison. Here you'll find lots and lots of local arts and crafts vendors - jewelry, glass, photography, sculpture, painting, wood and more will be represented. Plus live music and free activities for the little ones!


And don't forget, you can find Space Oddities and lots of other vendors peddling delightful handmade wares Saturday at the Dane county farmers' market . Craft vendors are at the top of State street extending onto Mifflin street and our tent is usually somewhere close to Taste of India.

If you're looking for a special gift this weekend, you know where to go! Support local businesses and find something handcrafted and unique. We are so lucky to live in a city where the big box stores are not our only options!

xoxo
andrea

old, new, revamped.

I visited my dad last weekend and picked up this beautiful sewing machine while I was at his place. Isn't it dreamy? It used to be my grandmother's and I am so thrilled that it has been passed on to me. I have been wanting to learn to sew for a long time and have tried my hand at some small projects without much success throughout the years. This time I will be armed with a new (old) machine that inspires me just looking at it. I can't help but imagine the hours and hours that my grandmother spent at this machine. She loved to reupholster furniture and made so many gorgeous things with this lovely piece of equipment over the years. I hope that I can create something nearly as awesome! Thankfully I have a sweet, talented friend who is willing to show me the basics and get started the right way. Thanks Jenny! You rule! I cannot wait for sewing 101.

On to the new! We have been making lots of new goodies to try out at the farmers market lately. These "My Favorite Robot" prints debuted at the market a few weeks ago and have finally been added to our etsy shop. We have used bright, bold colors and fun printed papers to screen print this fun robot print on. I love the results! These framed prints would be so fun in a kid's room!

I also printed some new shirts this week. Well, the design is an oldie but a goodie. I've just changed up the color scheme a little bit. I love our cupcake shirts but was ready for something other than the "cherry vanilla" pink and white on brown. The new, revamped version of this shirt is called "berry vanilla" and features a new mixup of colors. These shirts are available in our etsy shop now!

Have a great week! If you're in the Madison area, don't forget to visit us at the Dane County Farmers' Market on Saturday! We still have RAD DAD buttons and t-shirts along with lots of other unique gift ideas for father's day (think star wars magnets, lord of the rings inspired prints and robot t-shirts!) that you can pick up while you're downtown!

xo

andrea

a whole lotta craft

I am so glad to live in a city that is bursting with handmade goodness everywhere I turn. This weekend is stuffed to the brim with opportunities to kick out the craft!! Just in case these aren't already on your radar...

Join crafting sisters Jessica and Anastasia for their first Confectionique market on Saturday April 24. This monthly craft market showcases their own work as well as treasures created by other local artists/crafters. The very first Confectionique market will be from 10AM -4PM at 8300 Airport Road, Middleton. Check it out!

Also on Saturday is the Spring Fling Craftacular! Yes, you read it right! Naomi at Glitter Workshop has decided to hold the craftacular events more frequently so we can enjoy the crafty goodness all year long. Really, who wants to wait an entire year between craftaculars? Not this lady. As always, get there early (doors open at 10AM) to snag the swag! First 25 shoppers get the goods!

And if you feel like visiting us, we'll be at the Dane county farmers' market where you will find delicious locally grown produce AND an awesome handmade market. Last week was the first market of the season. This week it just might be rainy. We're hoping it's not but I suppose if it is, at least we'll have more time to check out the other amazing events that are taking place all around our lovely city!

If you do make it downtown, I would also recommend Anthology for a dreamy craft fix. Easily one of the most inspiring stores in the city, this place always has new treasures waiting to be discovered. It's also Altered Clothing month at Anthology! "Bring your own skirt, shirt...and select from an assortment of fabrics. Make your own iron-on patches, and stitch around the edges for added decoration." What fun!!

After you've packed as much craft into your days as you possibly can, here are some more killer events of note to look forward to this weekend...

Highway 18 Drive-In. It's open! Alice in Wonderland under the stars!

and

Roller Derby! Bout 5! Saturday Morning Cartoon theme!

Maybe we will cross paths this fine weekend? See you around!

xo
andrea

Pendants!

March is almost here and I am THRILLED. When I left for work this morning the sun was shining, the sky was blue...what a perfect day.

So I have been working on making pendants for awhile now and want to share them with you. The images are saved from old magazines and storybooks and make these necklaces truly unique. It took me awhile to get comfortable with making these as jewelry making in general is a very new medium for me, but now I am in love!






































My last show is the first time I offered these for sale and I got a good response from shoppers. Right now I only have a few for sale in my etsy shop but plan to add more. I love these pendants because they are BIG and bold and such a fun shape. I'm offering the pendant only or pendant on an adjustable 18" necklace. I also think these would look gorgeous worn with a ribbon.

This weekend is going to be full of cleaning, playing and hopefully some crafting.

I promise to make time to make if you do?

xoxo
andrea

Cupcakes & Crafts!

Discover unique handmade items made locally.

Meet the artists.

Treat yourself to something sweet!















Check out our next event at Daisy Cupcakery in Madison on Sunday March 14, 4pm - 8pm.

Here are some of the artists who will be showing their work:
Storyline Design
Glitter Workshop
Prettifications
Whimsy House
The Painted Daisy
Little Dandelion Studio
Space Oddities
The Apple
Helen Mary Beck
Bare Tree Apparel
Haley Studio
Bernie's Girl
Odd Stuff by Xanthe
Daisy Petal Designs

Click here for more info and to RSVP to the event on facebook.

Hope to see you there!

still time to shop!

Just wanted to post quick to let you know that we have just one more upcoming holiday show on December 12 in Madison but there's still time to shop online in order to receive gifts in time for the holidays!

Our Star Wars magnet and pin sets made from vintage comics have been popular this year and we have lots of other items - mirrors, magnets, clothing in baby through adult sizes and more - that would make unique gifts or stocking stuffers! Please stop by the shop here or click on items below to be directed to our etsy shop. Chad also has some great gift items in his shop including a really awesome LOTR Gandalf gocco print. Check it out!



xoxo
andrea

Stuff I've made lately.

1. Triple Berry Cobbler. Recipe HERE. I used raspberries, blackberries , strawberries.

T-shirts Gocco Printed using my 6 year old nephews design. He cut the little heart shape with a spiral cut into it all on his own. It was so adorable that my sister-in-law decided to turn the design into shirts! We had a fun night printing. Love how they turned out.

More food! Puffy Oven Pancakes, also known as panakuken.

I made the apple variation:

2 Tbsp butter
2 large eggs
1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup milk
1/4 tsp salt
lemon juice and powdered sugar

1.heat oven to 400. melt butter in pie plate in oven and brush butter on side of pie plate.

2. Sprinkle 2 tbsp packed brown sugar and 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon evenly over melted butter in pie plate. Arrange 1 cup thinly sliced peeled baking apples (1 medium) over the sugar.

3. beat eggs slightly in medium bowl w/ wire whisk. Beat in remaining ingredients except lemon juice/powdered sugar.

4. Pour batter over apples. Bake 30-35 minutes. Immediately loosen edge of pancake and turn upside down onto heatproof serving plate.

Serve immediately sprinkled with lemon juice and powdered sugar if desired.

---or omit step 2 and cut baking time by 5-10 minutes to make this without apples

new location to shop space oddities + a little sunshine makes a big difference

Look! New buttons.















I made a batch of buttons, mirrors and magnets last week and shipped them off to Dainty Daisies. Michelle of Dainty Daisies makes the most gorgeous clothing and accessories for women and children and I can't wait to visit her brick & mortar shop! Starting today you can find Space Oddities goodies (and lots of other handmade goodies + vintage items) at the new store, 1606 Oregon St., Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Check it out if you're in the area!

The sun was out today and it was just what I needed to drag myself out of my little slump. Hooray! I feel genuinely cheerful. Thank goodness.

Okay I am off to screen print cupcakes onto man shirts! Have a great week!

handmade?!?!

handmade?!?!
Originally uploaded by space oddities

This picture is from a national geographic ad from the early 1940s. The ad was about the manufacturing boom and why manufactured is better than handmade. The text and goofy picture totally crack me up. Enjoy!

viva la vinyl!

A new design!
















We love playing records and recently had our turntable fixed up after being out of commission for awhile. Well actually...it's already broken again but hopefully it's a quick fix. So anyway...we were totally inspired to make a fun design showing our love for vinyl! I made adult shirts with black and yellow ink on brown, a few onesies, and a small batch of bibs. These items will be added to my etsy shop this week.